By Angus Dalton
Warning: This story contains a photo of an Indigenous person who has died.
Prolific Aboriginal singer-songwriter Archie Roach has died aged 66.
The Gunditjmara and Bundjalung elder died at Warrnambool Base Hospital in Victoria after a long illness.
Archie Roach has passed away aged 66.Credit: Justin McManus
“Archie wanted all of his many fans to know how much he loves you for supporting him along the way,” his family said in a statement.
“We are so proud of everything our dad achieved in his remarkable life. He was a healer and unifying force. His music brought people together.”
The legendary singer was known for his song Took the Children Away, which details his experience as a member of the Stolen Generations. In 2020 Roach was inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame and was named Victorian Australian of the Year. He received a Deadly Award for a Lifetime Contribution to Healing the Stolen Generations in 2013.
Roach’s wife and musical partner Ruby Hunter died in 2010. Roach survived a stroke in the same year and in 2011 was diagnosed with lung cancer.
Despite poor health, Roach had been touring in the last few years. He was due to play with the Sydney Symphony at the Sydney Opera House in October.
Roach’s sons Amos and Eban Roach gave permission for their father’s name and image to be used “so that his legacy will continue to inspire”. Roach is survived by Amos, Eban and foster children Kriss, Arthur and Terrence.
Roach was born in the rural Victorian town of Mooroopna in 1956 to parents Nellie, a Gunditjmara woman, and Archie, a Bundjalung man. He was forcibly removed from them by the government at the age of two.
Roach was adopted by Scottish immigrants, Alex and Dulcie Cox, who raised him in Melbourne.
As a teenager, he travelled to Sydney after receiving a letter from his sister Myrtle, who he hadn’t met as an adult, advising him of their mother’s death.
After experiencing homelessness and alcoholism Roach went on to a lauded music career. He released 12 records including his 1990 ARIA-winning debut album, Charcoal Lane.
Australian singer Paul Kelly was an early supporter of Roach, who went on to tour internationally with headline shows and opening acts for Tracy Chapman, Patti Smith and Bob Dylan among other giants of music.
His memoir, Tell Me Why, was published in 2019.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was among those who honoured Roach on Twitter, writing: “Our country has lost a brilliant talent, a powerful and prolific national truth teller.”
In May, two side-by-side sculptures were installed on the shore of Lake Bonney in Victoria with mosaic artworks of Roach’s totem, an eagle, and Hunter’s totem, a pelican, in homage to the pair.
“We need to hear each others’ stories through music, song, dance and art; they are the thing that have helped you survive,” said Roach in 2019.
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